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SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS -  District 6 City Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda has appointed Fernanda Cardenas to Port San Antonio's 11-member Board of Directors. 

Cardenas is a dedicated community advocate and nonprofit leader who has spent her career focused on improving the quality of life for underserved communities, particularly older adults. Professionally, she currently serves as the founding executive director of the Gonzaba Foundation, a nonprofit established by the Gonzaba Medical Group to improve the lives of San Antonio seniors through accessible resources and community-based support. 

"Fernanda will be a terrific addition to the Port San Antonio Board of Directors," said Councilwoman Cabello Havrda. “Her tireless dedication supporting vulnerable communities dovetails beautifully with the Port’s commitment to creating life-changing economic, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities for people across our region.” 

"We're excited to welcome Fernanda as our newest colleague," said Board Chair Margaret Wilson-Anaglia. “Her extensive and varied personal and professional experiences bring important perspectives to help inform our work,” she added. "We look forward to her contributions as our team continues to grow a very special place where thousands of people are already building their futures and where thousands more will be arriving in the next few years.” 

Wilson-Anaglia further noted that Cardenas is joining the board at an especially important time. In March, the board unanimously approved the next major step in the development of Innovation Tower, one of the most ambitious projects to date on the Tech Port campus, and a lynchpin of the Port’s ambitious plans to further develop a comprehensive defense industrial research campus. 

“A thoughtful and inclusive economic development vision, combined with a well-executed strategy, are central to enhancing the quality of life of all people in our community,” said Cardenas. “The Port has for many years demonstrated that the opportunities that it is creating in partnership with industry, educators and the public-sector are far-reaching and long-lasting. I am honored to be given this opportunity to help shape that path forward for the benefit of today’s and upcoming generations of San Antonians.” 

Prior to her current role at the Gonzaba Foundation, Cardenas spent more than seven years with United Health Group, where, as a senior marketing and retention lead for government programs, she championed initiatives aimed at addressing health disparities among vulnerable populations. 

In addition to her recent appointment, Cardenas also serves on other governing bodies, including the boards of South Texas Adult Protective Services, Texas Grandparents Raising Grandkids and Meals on Wheels-San Antonio. She is a member of the City and County Joint Commission on Elderly Affairs, the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women and the San Antonio Public Library Board of Trustees. 

Her service to the community has earned her several plaudits. Among them is the Advocacy Award at the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 12th Annual Women’s Leadership Awards, for her work to uplift and advocate for the region’s senior community. Cardenas also received the Mission Partner award from Alamo Area Council of Governments, Senior House Champion recognition from House of Neighborly Services and the Unsung Hero Award from the State of Texas Adult Protective Services. 

A graduate of St. Mary’s University, Cardenas earned her undergraduate degree in Political Science, then went on to earn master’s degrees in public administration and political science.